World Cup: Injured Hardik Pandya to miss New Zealand clash
Hardik Pandya will miss India's next 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup game against New Zealand to be played in Dharamsala on October 22. BCCI confirmed the same on Friday. The all-rounder hobbled out of the ground after delivering just three balls in his first over against Bangladesh on Thursday. He sustained an injury to his left ankle. Here are further details.
Pandya to get treatment at NCA
As per Indian Express, Pandya will head to the NCA in Bengaluru to regain match fitness. Meanwhile, Pandya has been advised rest, according to the BCCI statement. "He will not be taking the flight to Dharamsala with the team on 20th October and will now join the team directly in Lucknow where India play England." The England match will take place on October 29.
How did Pandya get injured?
Having bowled his third delivery to Litton Das, Pandya tried to stop the ball with his right leg in his followthrough. Soon after the ball reached the boundary, Pandya looked in discomfort as wobbled toward his run-up. He could not bowl any further as the Indian physio arrived in the middle. Pandya subsequently left the field and went for the scans.
Pandya's absence can hamper India's balance
Pandya's absence is a major dent in India's plans as he is the lone pace-bowling all-rounder in the squad. Suryakumar Yadav is likely to replace him in the XI. Hence, India will not have the luxury of a sixth bowler against NZ, who have won their first four matches. Meanwhile, India might replace Shardul Thakur with Mohammed Shami to strengthen their bowling.
A look at his recent numbers
Pandya has been in fine form lately as he scalped five wickets in the ongoing WC (ER: 6.84). Though he has batted just once in the competition, he has clobbered 383 ODI runs this year at 34.81. He has overall raced to 1,769 runs in 86 ODIs at an average and strike rate of 34.01 and 110.35, respectively. The tally includes 84 wickets.
